Abstract: Controlling movement of movable arms on motion shafts of a measurement machine is disclosed. Each motion shaft of the measurement machine are divided into different motion ranges. The movable arms move in different motion ranges at different speeds. Motion direction of the movable arms is associated with an operation direction of a joystick.

Abstract: A data processing system comprises at least one resource manager (RM) for managing changes to respective system resources in accordance to a commit/backout protocol, and a resource manager coordinator (RMC) for coordinating the commit/backout activities of the at least one resource manager. A process resource manager (ERM) is provided, coordinated by the resource manager coordinator according to the commit/backout protocol, for managing the execution of non-compliant processes not complying with the commit/backout protocol. The process resource manager automatically determines, upon receipt of a backout request, a sequence of compensation actions to be performed to backout actions performed during the execution of the secondary non-compliant processes, and managing the execution of said compensation actions.

Abstract: A method of computing imbalance in a motion control system is disclosed. The motion control system includes an object mounting mechanism for holding and rotating the object about a first axis; an object positioning mechanism for displacing the object mounting mechanism; an object positioning drive for driving the object positioning mechanism; and one or more rotation detection devices for generating an output signal indicative of the rotation of the object about the first axis. The method includes the steps of computing an object rotation signal indicative of the speed and phase of the object about the first axis from the rotation detection devices' output signal; demodulating an output signal from the drive with the object rotation signal to derive a demodulated output signal that is synchronous with rotation of the object about the first axis; and computing the magnitude and phase of the object imbalance from the demodulated output signal.

Abstract: An environment control system which includes a network, a plurality of units and a controller. The system being configured to utilize a nonlinearity compensation controller to compensate for nonlinearity in the system.

Abstract: In some embodiments, a multi-phase converter with dynamic phase adjustment is provided.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for controlling, diagnosing and prognosing the health of a motorized system. The systems may comprise a diagnostics system, a prognostic system and a controller, wherein the diagnostics system and/or prognostic system employs a neural network, an expert system, and/or a data fusion component in order to assess and/or prognose the health of the motorized system according to one or more attributes associated therewith. The controller may operate the motorized system in accordance with a setpoint and/or a diagnostics signal from the diagnostics system and/or prognostic information.

Abstract: A method includes detecting a change in temperature in an integrated circuit that is coupled to a differential communication link, and responding to the detected change in temperature by initiating a retraining process for the differential communication link.

Abstract: A control system for a plant is provided. This control system can control the plant more stably, when the model parameters of the controlled object model which are obtained by modeling the plant, which is a controlled object, are identified and the sliding mode control is performed using the identified model parameters. The model parameter identifier (22) calculates a model parameter vector (?) by adding an updating vector (d?) to a reference vector (?base) of the model parameter. The updating vector (d?) is corrected by multiplying a past value of at least one element of the updating vector by a predetermined value which is greater than “0” and less than “1”. The model parameter vector (?) is calculated by adding the corrected updating vector (d?) to the reference vector (?base).

Abstract: A distributed multi-axis motion control system comprises a multicast communications network having several node components. Each of the node components includes a clock and an actuator. The actuators are part of a motor system and a pattern profile table of the motor system is generated. The pattern profile table is translated into a separate single-direction-of-motion pattern table to separately direct the motion of each of the actuators of the node components. A grandmaster clock generates synchronization signals which are transmitted through the network at a sync interval and which synchronize the clocks. Time-bombs are generated at an interval which is a whole number multiple of the sync interval. The time-bombs cause concurrent execution of the first and subsequent steps from the single-direction-of-motion pattern tables to produce synchronized multi-axis motion of the motor system.

Abstract: A motion control system and method that includes a central controller configured to generate first and second demand control signals to be used to define actuation motion of respective first and second actuators. The central controller is in communication with first and second nodes by way of a data network, each node including at least a respective actuator configured to implement at an actuator time a motion or force-related effort based upon the respective demand control signal. Each node also includes a memory configured to store at least one respective propagation delay parameter related to a signal propagation delay between the central controller and the node. A timing mechanism establishes timing at each node based on the respective propagation delay parameter so that the actuator time at the nodes occurs simultaneously. Strictly cyclic and/or full-duplex high-speed communication can be supported. The network can be wired in a ring or as a tree and with twisted pair cabling or fiber.

Abstract: A system and method for controlling a device such that device operates in a smooth manner. The system may switch between control architectures or vary gain coefficients used in a control loop to control the device. As the architecture or gains are switched, the control signal may be smoothed so that the device does not experience an abrupt change in the control signal it receives. In one embodiment, the control signal may be smoothed by adding a decaying offset value to the control signal to create a smoothed control signal that is applied to the device.

Abstract: A method for controlling at least one characteristic of a product of an industrial batch process. The method comprising the steps of creating a hierarchical knowledge tree describing the process. Following the creation of a knowledge tree a learning process occurs. This leads to the creation of a global model. During the execution of a batch process, the global model is applied to dynamically target subsequent phase parameters based on already executed phases.

Abstract: A method for modifying a stamping die to compensate for springback includes the steps of stamping a first part using a base, or pre-existing die set, and creating a surrogate die having the shape of the first stamped part. These steps are followed by simulated stamping of a blank with the surrogate die, where the blank is shaped according to the desired finished part. Then, the base die is modified by mapping the forming stresses, from the stamped blank, to an indicator blank, which is allowed to relax and then is employed as a template for modification of the base die. Following this, the accuracy of the newly modified base die is determined by stamping a second part in the modified base die and by comparing a number of dimensions of the second part with a number of corresponding dimensions of the desired finished part.

Abstract: The response process of disturbance recovery control is divided into a follow-up phase, a convergence phase, and a stable phase. A feedback control device includes a first phase switching unit (3) which switches to the follow-up phase, a second phase switching unit (4) which switches to the convergence phase, a third phase switching unit (5) which switches to the stable phase, a first manipulated variable determining unit (6) which outputs a manipulated variable which makes the controlled variable follow up the set point in the follow-up phase, a second manipulated variable determining unit (7) which outputs a manipulated variable which makes the controlled variable converge near the set point in the convergence phase, and a third manipulated variable determining unit (8) which outputs a manipulated variable which makes the controlled variable stable at the set point in the stable phase.

Abstract: A configurable control system for operating an industrial system in a reliable, safety-enhanced manner, and method of implementing such a system in any of a variety of particular industrial systems of a given class, are disclosed. The method includes storing, onto a controller of a particular industrial system, a master program capable of being used to operate a generalized industrial system having a maximum number of safety subsystems of a given type, where the particular industrial system falls within a class defined by the generalized system.

Abstract: A device for calculating the steady state behavior of a controller includes an amount generating unit for generating the amount of deviation of the regulator, a first threshold value calculation unit that detects whether the amount of deviation of the regulator has fallen below a first threshold value and then starts a lag time delay unit, and a second threshold value calculation unit that detects whether the amount of deviation of the regulator has fallen below a second threshold value. A signal transmission unit transmits a ready message signal when the lag time delay unit has reached a predetermined lag time and the second threshold value calculation unit has detected that the amount of deviation of the regulator has fallen below the second threshold value.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for controlling nonlinear process control problems. This method involves first utilizing modeling tools to identify variable inputs and controlled variables associated with the process, wherein at least one variable input is a manipulated variable. The modeling tools are further operable to determine relationships between the variable inputs and controlled variables. A control system that provides inputs to and acts on inputs from the modeling tools tunes one or more manipulated variable inputs to achieve a desired result like greater efficiency, higher quality, or greater consistency.

Abstract: A controller that eliminates an error caused by acceleration/deceleration control, and controls the velocity of drive axes which is not represented by a rectangular coordinate system such that maximum allowable values of velocity, acceleration, and jerk of the drive axes are not exceeded. A program is analyzed in a command analysis section, and an interpolated position on a motion path in the rectangular coordinate system is determined in a first interpolation section, and then converted by means of a transformation section into drive axes' positions not in the rectangular coordinate system. In a tangential acceleration calculating section, a tangential acceleration is determined. In a velocity limit calculating section, a velocity limit at the time of each position being reached is determined which does not exceed maximum allowable values of velocity, acceleration, and jerk of the drive axes.

Abstract: An adaptive process controller drives a process variable to be substantially equivalent to a set point and adapts the controller gain, the controller reset, and/or the controller rate, based on model free adaptation. The adaptive controller combines a controller gain computed from an oscillation index with a controller gain computed from a steady state estimate and that adapts the controller reset/rate by forcing the ratio of two of the controller proportional, integral or derivative terms to be equal to a predetermined value.

Abstract: One preferred embodiment of the invention provides systems and methods for controlling a physical system by generating an input to the physical system that does not excite unwanted dynamics. Briefly described, one embodiment of the system among others, can be broadly summarized by as follows. A control entity generates a desired motion command for a physical system. A command generator then produces a shaped-smooth reference command for the physical system from the desired motion command that will cause the physical system to move in the desired motion without unwanted dynamics. Methods and other systems are also provided.

Abstract: An advanced control block that implements multiple-input/multiple-output control, such as model predictive control, within a process control system uses a compensation block or algorithm and a single control model based on a single process model to provide advanced control in a process having widely variable process delay. The compensation block changes the execution period of the advanced control block to account for changes in the one or more process variables responsible for the variable process delay, which eliminates the need to provide different advanced control models or control definitions for different operating regions for a process in the cases in which the delay in a process output is correlated to a measurable process or control variable.

Abstract: An exhaust emission control system for an internal combustion engine is disclosed. The system includes a NOx removing device provided in an exhaust system of the engine for removing NOx contained in exhaust gases, and an oxygen concentration sensor provided in the exhaust system. The air-fuel ratio of the air-fuel mixture to be supplied to the engine is changed from a value which is leaner than the stoichiometric ratio to a value which is richer than the stoichiometric ratio. It is determined whether or not a sulfur oxide concentration in the exhaust gases is high according to a transient characteristic of an oxygen concentration detected by the oxygen concentration sensor after the air-fuel ratio is changed.

Abstract: A single-input multi-output control system particularly useful to equally distributing the noise effects and/or the parametric variations among the multiple outputs, comprising two or more control sub-systems, each of said two or more control sub-systems having a corresponding error node (Nei) and an output (Yi) coincident with one of said multiple outputs, and an auxiliary node (Nc) adapted to connect said error nodes (Nei) with one another.

Abstract: An intelligent sensor platform is provided with an architecture that takes advantage of a low cost microcontroller for overall sensor control. Outputs are all controlled directly by the microcontroller as are gains of signal processing amplifiers and thresholds for threshold detectors. The sensor can be remotely programmed using a remote control device or simple push button programming can be implemented. This abstract is not to be considered limiting, since other embodiments may deviate from the features described in this abstract.

Abstract: A motion control system and method are disclosed which provide improved pulse placement for smoother operation of a motion device such as a stepper motor. A placement of pulses may be determined for each of a plurality of time intervals such that the pulses are placed evenly across the plurality of time intervals, wherein the quantity of pulses in each of the time intervals is variable. The pulses may be generated and sent to the motion device to move the object to the desired position. A delay may be used to place each pulse at an arbitrary location within one of the time intervals. Where the desired step rate is fractional, time may be “borrowed” for one loop iteration from other loop iterations. In one embodiment, the step rate may be changed from one loop period to the next.

Abstract: Evacuation operation performance is improved when any abnormality occurs in an electronic throttle control system. When any serious abnormality occurs, a first abnormality storage element (133) operates, a load relay for a power supply circuit (104a) of a throttle valve open/close controlling motor (103) is de-energized to operate a first alarm and display (109a). Thus a first device carries out the evacuation operation by a fuel cut control. When any slight abnormality occurs, a second abnormality storing element (136) comes to actuate thereby a second alarm and display (109b) being operated. Thus a second device carries out the evacuation operation using together a throttle valve opening control by the motor 103 and the fuel cut control.

Abstract: A control structure for the active damping of low-frequency oscillations in numerically-controlled machine tools. The control structure includes an rpm regulator having a proportional component and an integral component. The control structure further includes an active damping element that forms a low-frequency correction signal, which is phase-shifted with respect to an interfering low-frequency oscillation and free of d.c. components, and a summing point that is upstream or downstream of the integral component and receives the low-frequency correction signal.

Abstract: The invention relates to a control method and a control device for the operation of rotationally or linearly driven axes with a position control. This involves determining the difference between the setpoint position value (LS) and actual position value (WI) caused by an additional movement component during the time period of the occurrence of at least one superposed movement by subtraction of one value from the other. Furthermore, it is possible to eliminate movement components which are known, periodic and can be mathematically determined as desired from all the required control data paths during the time period of the superposed movement.

Abstract: Provided is an ultra-precision positioning system. The system comprises a base, a motion stage movably provided to the top of the base, and first to sixth feeding mechanisms for moving the motion stage to have six degrees of freedom. The first to sixth feed mechanisms are fixed to the base and the motion stage, respectively. Each of the first to third feeding mechanisms has a piezo actuator and two elastic hinges provided at both sides of the piezo actuator. Each of the fourth to sixth feeding mechanisms has a piezo actuator, three hinge members, and a lever member with a notch hinge which operatively cooperates with the hinge members.

Abstract: Computer-implemented system and method for controlling a processing apparatus having at least one independently controlled manipulated variable and at least one controlled variable responsive to the manipulated variable, using a robust multi-variable controller which defines an expected variation in magnitude for each controlled variable as a respective function of each manipulated variable via use of a set of at least two models. The model set has a dynamic response inertial characteristic. The two models are derived from a Reference Model (the traditional model defined in Dynamic Matrix Control). The multi-model set further enables adaptation of the models and gains during real-time use.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method and apparatus for automatically aligning a passenger bridge to a door of an aircraft. The apparatus includes a sensor in the form of a laser range finder, a local computer for receiving signals from the sensor and for controlling bridge movement in dependence thereof, and memory storage for storing data relating to features of aircraft models with which the bridge is to be connected. Automated bridge alignment proceeds under the control of the local computer in dependence upon a determined error factor exceeding a predetermined minimum threshold value, which value is one of a default value and a value specified by a user of the apparatus. Accordingly, the instant invention permits different airlines to accept varying levels of risk associated with automatic bridge alignment.

Abstract: A positioning device and method can position a subject of positioning at a higher speed than conventional ones. A positioning device and method for moving a subject of positioning to a desired position, moves the subject of positioning at a desired speed and acceleration, and adjusts the acceleration/deceleration duration of the subject of positioning and the timing of starting the deceleration so as to cancel the residual vibration, in accordance with the vibration period of the residual vibration that occurs immediately after positioning the subject of positioning.

Abstract: A method for compensating signals from an absolute angular position sensor assembly is used in conjunction with an absolute angular position sensor assembly having an input gear coupled to a rotating shaft. The input gear is meshed with an output gear that rotates as the input gear and the shaft rotate. The sensor assembly includes an input gear sensor and an output gear sensor placed in proximity to the input gear and output gear, respectively. The gears are configured so as to be sensed by the sensors. The method includes determining an angular position compensation value that is used to adjust an absolute position of the input gear, which in turn is used to compute the absolute position of the rotating shaft.

Abstract: A flexible closed-loop controller capable of being quickly and easily configured for a broad range of applications. The controller contains a set of control elements that may be configured or reconfigured for any specific application. Built-in configuration management automates configuration of the control elements dependent on user commands or operating conditions. The controller is autonomous after initial configuration, although it may be used interactively. This flexible closed-loop controller is suitable for switching power supplies, linear amplifiers, AC inverters, battery chargers, electronic loads, temperature and pressure management, motor or actuator drives, as well as industrial automation, data acquisition, and automatic test equipment. The controller reduces development time and cost, reduces parts count and cost, and improves performance and reliability of real-time closed-loop systems.

Abstract: A Robust Model-Free Adaptive controller is disclosed for effectively controlling simple to complex systems including industrial processes, equipment, facilities, devices, engines, robots, vehicles, and appliances. Without the need of re-designing a controller or re-tuning the controller parameters, the inventive controller is able to provide a wide robust range and keep the system under automatic control during normal and extreme operating conditions when there are significant disturbances or changes in system dynamics. Because of its simplicity and capability, the control system is useful for building flexible and adaptive production systems to fulfill the on demand manufacturing needs of the new e-commerce environment.

Abstract: Controllers (PID1 to PIDn) perform control so that the controlled variables of first to n-th control loops may agree with their preset values. A step response progress calculating section (C_R1) calculates the progress &agr;1 of the step response of the first control loop where the variation of the controlled variable is the slowest. Control loop internal preset value calculating sections (C_S2 to C_Sn) correct the preset values of the second to n-th control loops according to the progress &agr;1 of the step response so that the controlled variables of the second to n-th control loops vary synchronously with the controlled variable of the first control loop and give the corrected preset values to the controllers (PID2 to PIDn).

Abstract: A method for calibrating a first co-ordinate frame of a robot and effector in a second frame of reference of a sensor when the sensor is substantially rigidly attached to the robot and effector, including the steps of measuring first positions of a plurality of first light sources relative to the sensor, with the first positions corresponding to a first absolute position of the robot and effector, moving the robot and effector, measuring second positions of the plurality of first light sources, which second positions correspond to the desired second absolute position of the robot and effector and the sensor, repeating the measurement of and movement from the first to second positions so as to provide at least two sets of measurements of first and second positions corresponding to at least two movements, each of which at least two movements is a known, unique transform, combining the at least two sets of measurements of first and second positions so as to calibrate the first co-ordinate frame in the second fra

Abstract: A hybrid stabilization system for isolating a pointing vector of a gimbal from the motion of a vehicle base is provided. The hybrid stabilization control system includes a rate feedback loop generating a rate feedback compensation value in response to a measured rate difference between a pointing vector rate of motion and a vehicle base rate of motion, a rate feedforward loop generating a rate feedforward compensation value in response to a measured inertial vehicle base rate of motion, a position feedback loop generating a position feedback compensation value in response to a measured position difference between a pointing vector angular position and a vehicle base angular position, a position feedforward loop generating a position feedforward compensation value in response to a measured inertial vehicle base angular position.

Abstract: The masking-effect of loud audio passages is utilized to reduce the audibility of the fan noise from a cooling fan in an audio system. A power monitor determines an output power of an audio amplifier and generates a power signal proportional to the output power. A switchable cooling fan is positioned to provide a cooling flow of air within the audio system when the cooling fan is turned on. A fan control is coupled to the power monitor and the switchable cooling fan. The fan control compares the power signal with a predetermined threshold and turns on the switchable cooling fan in response to the comparison indicating that reproduction of the amplified audio signals is at an output power level that will substantially mask audible noise created by the switchable cooling fan.

Abstract: A numerical control device for synchronously controlling the movement of a plurality of axes of a machine by repeatedly controlling a cyclic motion. An axis of the machine is designed to stop at a predetermined position upon the occurrence of an emergency stop. To achieve this stop position, an amount of retraction is set up to a position where a tool of machine does not interfere with a work piece or other obstacles. When an emergency stop signal is entered during a binary operation, because of an occurrence of an abnormality, a movement control amount for each period, corresponding to a set amount of retraction, is added to the movement control amount for each period of the binary operation and the axis is thereby driven by the resultant modified movement control amount. The binary operation is stopped upon the reaching of the stop position, and the tool can be held at this retracted position, by the set amount of retraction.

Abstract: In a method for prescribing an essentially linear ramp with a prescribable slope by a quantity, and which is clock-pulse-controlled and which describes the ramp by an increment per clock interval, the ramp is described by a number of regular increments and by at least one first and one second irregular increment. The regular increments exhibit a value corresponding to the prescribable slope. The irregular increments exhibit a value deviating from the prescribable slope. The first irregular increment is a first increment describing the ramp and the second irregular increment is a last increment describing the ramp.

Abstract: A control system for a plant is provided. This control system can control the plant more stably, when the model parameters of the controlled object model which are obtained by modeling the plant, which is a controlled object, are identified and the sliding mode control is performed using the identified model parameters. The model parameter identifier (22) calculates a model parameter vector (&thgr;) by adding an updating vector (d &thgr;) to a reference vector (&thgr; base) of the model parameter. The updating vector (d &thgr;) is corrected by multiplying a past value of at least one element of the updating vector by a predetermined value which is greater than “0” and less than “1”. The model parameter vector (&thgr;) is calculated by adding the corrected updating vector (d &thgr;) to the reference vector (&thgr; base).

Abstract: A system for establishing a table of correction values for detecting deviations from zero in a sensor module of a vehicle, wherein a sensor sensing the movement of the vehicle a sensor for sensing the temperature of the vehicle movement sensor and is provided, and a method for determining a corrected sensor signal and a sensor module for determining a corrected sensor signal.

Abstract: An electrical drive system for the synchronised adjustment of rotatable axles or linearly movable functional parts in particular for printing machines, in terms of their position, speed or acceleration. Drive units are controlled using computer assistance and are connected to one or more functional parts for their adjustment. A plurality of drive networks, which each have a plurality of the drive units as network nodes, are allocated to some or a group of the functional parts. Inside at least one of the drive networks, its nodes or drive units are arranged in accordance with the master/slave principle and are respectively connected to one another in a ring structure through communication channels and/or a communication system. At least one node of a drive network is coupled in a ring structure with one node of another drive network, likewise in accordance with the master/slave principle, through inter-communication channels and/or an inter-communication system or network.

Abstract: A system for reducing jitter in a signal includes a processor and a timer. The processor is configured to operate a first program and a second program. The timer is configured to generate a first interrupt a predetermined time before a second interrupt and to provide the interrupts to the processor. The processor is further configured to switch operation from the first program to the second program in response to the first interrupt and to perform time sensitive tasks upon receipt of the second interrupt.

Abstract: A system for the secure physical attachment of a second device to a first device is disclosed comprising a first and second inter-connection attachment means in physical association with each device. The second inter-connection attachment means physically mates with its corresponding first inter-connection attachment means. Additionally, means for detecting the physical mating of each of the first and second inter-connection attachment means is provided. The detecting means is preferably associated with at least one of the devices and in communication with each of it's associated device's inter-connection attachment means. Means are provided for determining that the first and second inter-connection attachment means have been securely mated and, if not, means are provided for indicating the status of the completion of the secure attachment there between.

Abstract: Methods and systems for reducing or removing the effect of measurement error so that an actual engine operates closer to optimum are described. In an exemplary embodiment, the method includes the steps of identifying an engine operation (e.g., acceleration) that is less than optimal, estimating the measurement error associated with the less than optimal operation, adjusting the engine control logic based on the measurement error estimate, and reassessing the engine operation. The method is implemented, in one form, in an engine controller by programming a control processor to execute the above described method.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods controlling a process producing segments of product wherein a destabilizing event of a particular type periodically destabilizes the process, resulting in product or process deviation from a target parameter associated with a number of segments of the product, from segment number 1 to segment number n. The method associates, with respective ones of the n units of product, deviation amounts corresponding to historical deviation amounts for the respective so-numbered units of product in past occurrences of the particular type destabilizing event, and applying to selected ones of the n segments of product correction factors derived from respective associated historical deviation amounts for the respective units of product, thereby making pro-active adjustments to respective ones of the n units of product, upon occurrence of the destabilizing event. Preferred methods include applying the correction factors to each of the n units of product.

Abstract: A system and method for controlling a device such that device operates in a smooth manner. The system may switch between control architectures or vary gain coefficients used in a control loop to control the device. As the architecture or gains are switched, the control signal may be smoothed so that the device does not experience an abrupt change in the control signal it receives. In one embodiment, the control signal may be smoothed by adding a decaying offset value to the control signal to create a smoothed control signal that is applied to the device.

Abstract: A discretization processing method for transforming a transfer function in continuous time systems to a transfer function in discrete time systems is disclosed. To obtain the new transfer function, angular frequency &ohgr;a of the original transfer function in continuous time systems is transformed to angular frequency &ohgr;c using the bilinear z-transform of the inverse characteristic. In the discretion processing result, the equivalent characteristics of the original transfer function in continuous time systems can be obtained by performing the bilinear z-transform against the new transfer function in continuous time systems having been obtained by the angular frequency transformation of inverse characteristic.